Program History

The Kings County Secret Witness Program has been operating in its current
form since 1972. A group of concerned citizens coordinate the
Secret Witness Program and oversee the operation of the program. It does so
as a public service to the community.

Purpose

Because police officers are often unable to know everything that is going
on in the community, citizen participation in law enforcement and crime
prevention is crucial. The Secret Witness Program is designed to provide
incentives to community members for becoming involved in crime prevention
and resolution. Many local businesses and citizens have become financial
sponsors to a Secret Witness Reward Fund that makes the program viable.

Citizens are offered opportunities to make the community a safer place to
live by becoming involved in crime prevention. Besides making a positive
contribution to the community, individuals can enjoy some monetary reward
for their efforts thanks to the Secret Witness Program.

How the Program Works

The Secret Witness Program relies on the anonymous tips of community
members. When a citizen or visitor to the community becomes aware of
criminal activity, the individual can make an anonymous phone call to a 24 hour, 7 day a week hotline and provide the anonymous information.

Reward money is drawn from a pot that is funded by donations from local
businesses and individuals. Secret Witness funds are disbursed and
monitored by a volunteer (non-paid) Board of Directors consisting of
members of the community. The funds in the Secret Witness Reward Fund are
used to pay rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction
of an adult or juvenile, or to the arrest of a fugitive.

How to Become a Secret Witness andSupporter of the Program

To become a secret witness please call the Secret Witness Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: